Dementia & Memory Loss

With the growing number of people living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia in Washington, Aging & Long Term Care is working to help make our region more dementia-friendly. Our goal is to improve the lives of those living with memory loss, their caregivers, and their loved ones.

Need Help Now? Speak to a Person – Local help is available with translation services

Individual & Caregiver Support

Living with dementia or caring for a loved one experiencing memory loss? Whether you are just wondering and worried, or have a diagnosis, we are here for you. If you are an individual or a caregiver looking for memory loss support, contact our Community Living Connections program at 509-960-7281.

Our Dementia Care Specialist can assist you with:
  • Identifying early signs and symptoms of dementia
  • Understanding your options for care
  • Planning for the future
  • Connecting you to local resources
  • Assessments for concerning cognitive changes
  • Individualized coaching on how to talk with your physician and home safety
STAR-C

Interested in an in-home consultation service for behavioral challenges? The STAR-C program was designed to help caregivers for those living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. This program is ideal for caregivers who want to keep the individual with memory loss at home for as long as they can. We are excited to offer this program at no cost! If interested in STAR-C, contact Community Living Connections at 509-960-7281.

Support Groups & Memory Cafes

If you are living with dementia or are a care partner for someone living with memory loss, it can help to build a support system with people who understand.

  • Support groups are conducted by trained facilitators and are safe places for caregivers, family and friends. Learn more here.
  • Memory Cafes are welcoming, fun places for people living with dementia. They are designed to include the care partner as well and are often centered around a shared activity. There is one at the North Spokane Library and one at the Central Spokane YMCA.

Community Education

A variety of community trainings are offered in-person and virtually for those who are interested in learning more about dementia or making a difference in our community. All trainings and resources are free and open to the public.

Become a Dementia Friend

A Dementia Friend learns about memory loss and then turns that understanding into action. We all have a part to play in creating dementia friendly communities. Anyone can become a Dementia Friend by attending a one-hour information session, learn more about this program and join the movement today!
Become a Dementia Friend

Caregiver Workshop Series

This series is for caregivers, family members and friends who want more information on how to care for someone living with dementia. Topics include communication, behaviors, providing strengths-based care and types/progression of dementia. These are currently offered at libraries in Spokane, Colville, Pullman and Colfax and can be booked for group sessions. Zoom options are available.
View our Calendar

Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association (AA) offers education for the public on topics like Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Health Living, and Dementia Conversations. It also offers education for care partners like Staying Connected, Living with Alzheimer’s, and a new series called The Empowered Caregiver.
Explore AA Education

Professional Education

Free professional education is available for healthcare professionals, medical professionals, businesses, and organizations. These can be offered on a one-time basis or as part of Aging & Long Term Care’s monthly training series. Trainings are offered in-person and virtually.

Reach out if you are interested by calling the Dementia Team at (509) 458-2509 and asking for the Dementia Resource Catalyst, filling out the form on our Contact Us page, or emailing dementia@altcew.org.

We offer dementia trainings to:

  • Healthcare and Social Services – We have evidence-informed trainings focused on healthcare, social service, and medical professionals that include topics like Early Dementia Detection, The Diagnosis Process, Communicating with People Living with Dementia, and Understanding Dementia Behaviors.
  • Any public-facing business or organization – If you work with members of the public who might be living with dementia or caring for someone living with dementia (chances are you do!), we recommend that you schedule one of our staff or train-the-trainer sessions.

The Spokane Regional Dementia Friendly Community

Spokane is an official member of the Dementia Friendly America® community!

The Spokane Regional Dementia Friendly Community (DFC) is a group of local organizations and community volunteers that are working together to make our region more respectful toward and informed about memory loss, and offer support that fosters quality of life. If interested in learning more about this group or volunteering, click on the button below.
Spokane Regional DFC

Additional Resources

Visit the Dementia Action Collaborative  for a variety of resources such as:

Discover helpful articles & webpages:

Learn about local studies:

Partners

Community Living Connections at Aging & Long Term Care Dementia Friends USA Dementia Friendly America Project Echo Dementia with UW Medicine Providence ElderPlace Providence Health & Services Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association